NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga — The M?ori King of New Zealand, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, has passed away at the age of 69. He died in hospital after undergoing heart surgery, just days after marking his 18th year on the throne. Tuheitia was the seventh monarch in the Kiingitanga movement, established in 1858 to unite the Indigenous M?ori tribes against British colonization.
The Kiingitanga movement aimed to halt the sale of land to non-Indigenous individuals, end inter-tribal conflicts, and serve as a platform for safeguarding M?ori culture. The M?ori King’s role in New Zealand is mainly ceremonial but holds significance in a country where the M?ori community constitutes nearly 20% of the population.
Following Tuheitia’s death, Rahui Papa, a spokesperson for the Kiingitanga, expressed profound sorrow on social media, stating, “The death of King Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Kiingitanga, Maaoridom and the entire nation.” New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon commemorated Tuheitia’s dedication to his people and values, emphasizing the King’s relentless efforts to preserve the principles and traditions of the Kiingitanga.
Recently, Tuheitia had been facilitating discussions for M?ori unity in response to policies from Luxon’s center-right government, which critics argue are disadvantageous to the M?ori community in attempts to reverse pro-Indigenous measures. King Charles III of New Zealand, the state’s constitutional head, alongside Queen Camilla, expressed deep sorrow over Tuheitia’s passing, highlighting his commitment to advancing M?ori culture and traditions.
Thousands gathered at Turangawaewae Marae, the M?ori King Movement’s base in Ng?ruaw?hia, the week before Tuheitia’s demise for the customary celebrations of his reign. The succession to the throne, traditionally held by the Tainui tribes in the Waikato region, remains uncertain following Tuheitia’s death. Plans are underway for Tuheitia to lie in state at Turangawaewae Marae for five days before being laid to rest at Taupiri Mountain, as outlined by Papa.
